Remotely controlled flow valve



Jan. 30, 19.45. A, BYNTON u 2,368,407

REMOTELY CONTROLLED FLOW VALVE ATTORNEY.

Jan. 30, 1945.- v A, BQYNTON 2,368,407

REMOTELY CONTROLLED FLOW VALVE tubing of.` ay well.

Patented Jan. 30, 1945 'REMOTELY ooNTRoLLED FLOW VALVE Alexander Boynton, San Antonio,4 Tex.; Sida S. said Alexander Boynton,

Martin executrix of deceased A Application December 1s Claims.

My invention relates to remotely controlled' ow 4valves for wells and deals with the general subject of. my copending application Serial Number 421,934 filed-Dec. 6, 1941. The principal object is to provide a flow valveA that can be opened or closedselectively by means of a tool on a cable operated from the ground surface and which -may be removed from the well inl order to leave the iiow tubing unobstruc'ted.A f

Another'object is to provide a series of valve controlled spaced openings inthe tubing of a well, a selective oneof said valves being open while the others areclosed selectively.

Another object is to improve the ordinary auto y matic opening and the frequently uncertain closing of the now generally used automatic iiow valves'v by substituting therefor a manually and remotely' controlled valve 'opening and closing means of positive action.

Another object is to' provide a iiow device especially adapted to deep wells, because of its positive operation, due to freedom from control by dierential force,.resulting in tubing withdrawals being seldom necessary.

Another. object is to provide a remotely controlle'd'flow valve which does not restrict thev tubing passage.

A further object is to. provide a series of flow valves having the advantages set out in .the ioregoingobjectsand which, in addition thereto,

',can. be quickly and, inexpensively adapted. for

6, 1941, Serial No; 421,935v

.torina-233)" which movements are caused by a releasingv connectionv engageable with'` apin inthe actuator;

-whereby theactuator willunoppose or. resiliently oppose differential iorcefemployedto urge. a valve toward its seatyto control. the 'flow of pressure fluid into the tubing,asr will appear more fullyin the following specification andthe. accompany-y ing drawings, in whichowing a well through the casing, instead of throughthetubing.

Other related objects are to provide remote controlsfor valves in cooling plants, ventilating systems, pipe lines, refineries, mines, production testing devices, well cementing equipment, and allV other valves requiring remote` control, in-

cludingimeans for discharging liquids andi gases at predetermined locations in warfare. Many defensive systems have been contemplated and proposedl in which a remotely `controlled valve as herein providedwouldfbe advantageous. Thus. poison gasa could be released with thej operator of theY valve at a safe distance.

I attainthe foregoing objectsby means of. a piston-like actuator' vina lateral shell upon a nipple adapted'to :be connectedV into the eduction- The actuatorhas a series of external s slots, pockets, and helicallyl inclined f cam surfaces adaptedto impart rotary movement to it by contacting a stationary pin inthe-shell during. longitudinal: movements of--the actuator,

Fig. .1 ismainly a longitudinalsection through the preferred.y embodiment of thedevice showing theA pressure uid intake valve-.open with the releasing connection and portions: of the devicein outside view.

Fig. 2 is a partial longitudinal section through the preferred embodiment of the device showing y the pressure. iiuid; intake'. valve closed, portions. of the inner parts'being shown in outsidefview.A

Fig. 3 is a diagram of theslots, pockets. and helically inclined camy surfaces of the actuator. Fig. 4 is across section on theline 4--4, Fig. 1.

Fig; 5 is a cross sectionon the line 5 5.,` Fig.- 1.

Fig; 6 is a cross section ony the line 6 6, Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is mainly a longitudinalisection-through 't al modified construction, some oftheparts being shown in outside view.

Fig; '8 isa cross-section on the line 88, Fig. '7. Fig. 9 is a' cross section on the line 99, Fig. 7. Fig. 10'is a cross section the-linel Ill-40,` Fig; 7. Fig. 11 is a cross section through another modificationthisview being taken on the line I IIA-ll, Fig..12'.

Fig. 12 is av longitudinal section through a portion' of the modified construction shown cross sectioned in Fig. 11, vthe remainder of this construction-.being the same asshownin-Fig. 7 above Fig. 13 is a diagram of the slots, pockets, and

helically inclined camsurfaces of thereleasing 40,

connection;

ASimilar characters ofy reference. are employed -to designate similar parts throughout the several views of each embodiment.

In Fig. 1, the nipple. IS, having the lateraly slot Ic and the pressure fluid' intake port Id, isfadapted to be connected' at intervals. into the eduction tubing of a well. The lateral `shell la, which maybe cast of steeliintegrally with the'nipple l,

50: has the smooth .bore lb withinwhich the actuator 2 and the actuator pinpistonlare slidable; This piston, havingy thepointed lower end 4b, has-the .cross bore 4wwhichclosely'receives the actuator pinv 5, whichA has a head slidable within the slot Icof` the nipple I and extends a' short distance, such as; one-fourth inch,v within theaxial new` passage through the nipple. The guide pin 3 is firmly secured in the shell Ia and extends thereinto far enough to become engaged within and upon the pockets and helically inclined cani surfaces of the actuator, as will appear further on.

The axle bolt 6 is received, with slight clearance, within an axial opening through the actuator 2 and has threaded engagement with the piston 4. 'I'he pointed lower end of this bolt engages within a conical depression in the pin 5, whereby the pin is secured firmly within the piston. The washer 'I is engaged under the head of the bolt 6 and upon the thrust bearing 8 which urges the actuator 2 downward by force of the actuator spring 9, confined within the bore Ib by the plug I U employed to close the upper end of the shell I a. The thrust bearing l8a is confined between the actuator 2 and the piston 4, the head of the bolt 6 having a slight clearance with the Washer 1 in order that the bearings 8v and 8a will be free.

The plunger sleeve I5, secured within the shell Ia, has -formed within it the plunger chamber IS, the axial pressure fluid passage I3, and the closure seat I1 formed around the lower end of the passage I8. The plunger II, having its upper end formed into a valve engageable with the seat I1, has proper clearance around it for pressure fluid employed to ow the well, and has the fins I4 loosely slidable within the chamber:

I 6. The screw I9 is employed to close the opening made in drilling the port Id.

The plunger extension I2, having its upper end formed with a conical recess adapted to receive the pointed end 4b of the piston 4, is secured` pocket 2c is opposed by the upper helically inclined cam surface 2e; and the lower pin pocket 2d is opposed by the upper helically inclined cam .properly spaced relative to the pointed end 4b of the piston, as will be mentioned again under operation of Figs. 1 and 2.

Installation By way of illustrating the best presently known mode of applying the invention, it will be understood that any of the devices herein disclosed may be installed in series at spaced intervals in to the plunger II, and lhas the check valve I3 adapted to engage upon a seat of the sleeve I5. The plunger extension I2 has some clearance -with the pointed end 4b of the piston 4 when the device is open to intake pressure fluid in order that the check valve I3 may be unseated far enough to allow proper iniiow of pressure fluid. This check valve retains the plunger in the chamber I6 and will prevent well liquid from draining out of the tubing through the devices during intervals between flowing operations.

The fins I4 of the plunger are for the purpose of guiding the plunger to concentrically engage the seat I1. 4 holds the closure seat engaging surface IIx of the plunger I I away from its seat I1 when the guide pin 3 is engaged within the deep upper pin pocket 2b, as appears in Fig. 1, and thepressure uid urges the plunger to engage that seat when the pin 3 is engaged within the shallow upper pin pocket 2a, as appears in Fig. 2.

The actuator assembly is adapted to become stationary in two positions. One of these positions is when the guide pin 3 is contained in the deep pin pocket 2b, this being the open position of the device, as in Fig. 1. The other stationary position of the actuator is when the pin 3 is engaged within the shallow pin pocket 2a, this being the closed position of the device, as in Fig. 2. The spring 9 constantly urges-the actuator down- Ward to one of these positions.

It will be observed in Fig. 3 that the upper pin pockets and helically inclined cam surfaces are rotatably offset with relation to the position of the lower pin pockets and helically inclinedL cam surfaces; that is, the shallow pocket 2a is opposed by the lower helically inclined cam surface 2g; the deep pocket 2b is opposed by the lower helically inclined cam surface 2h: the lower nin" The pointed end 4b of the piston.

the eduction tubing of a well. The distance between proximate devices may be, for example, 200 to 500 feet. Any desired number of devices may be employed, series of three to seven being adapted to meet the most ordinary well conditions.

When the device is open, as/in Fig. l, the pointed end 4b of the piston 4 will contact the recessed end of the plunger extension I 2 and hold the plunger open away from its closure seat Il.

When the device is closed as in Fig. 2, the force of pressure iiuid exterior of the device will cause the plunger to seat and close the pressure uid passage I8, as in Fig. 2.

Operation, Figs. 1 and 2 In all forms of the invention, the guide pin secured in the lateral shell being contacted alternately by the upper and lower inclined cam surfaces of the actuator, governs all rotary movements thereof and consequently controls the opening and closing movements of the pressure iiuid control valve. The actuators are longitudinally and rotatably movable within the shell, both movements taking place simultaneously and as the result of the cable pull upward upon the actuators or of the downward force of the actuator springs.

The path of pressure 4fluid through the open device is via theplung'er chamber i6, the axial pressure uid passage I8, above which the check valve I3 Will be raised slightly, and the intake port Id, in the order named.

The actuator pin 5 which extends slightly into the axial flow passage through the nipple, is adapted to be releasably engaged by the operating tool 52, Figs. l and 13, in a manner to be described further on.

To close the device, it being open as in Fig. 1 wherein the guide pin 3 is engaged within the deep pocket 2b, proceed as follows: Attach the operating tool 52 to the actuator pin 5 and pull the actuator 2 upward. The lower inclined cam surface 2h will contact the guide pin 3 and will cause the actuator to be rotated slightly until this pin will be engaged within the lower pin pocket 2c. Then, release the pull upon the actuator pin 5; whereupon the spring 9 will force the actuator downward, causing the upper inclined cam surface 2e to contact the pin 3; whereby the actuator will be rotated further until the shallow upper pocket 2awill contain the pin 3, as in Fig. 2. 1

Toopen the device, it being closed as in Fig. 2.

asomo!! 5 and'null the actuator z'upward'. The lowerinclined cam 'suriace- 2g: will engage the guide; Pin 3" audoause the actuator to. be rotated. Slightly until'this pin willl be engaged; Within the lower pocket Zd.. release the pullupon the actuator nine; whereupon the shrine1 il willforoe the actuator downward, causing the upper inclined cam, surface, 2 to contact. the pilljiwhereby the. actuator. willi be rotated further until the .deeppocket Zbvwill contain thelpin again.'4 as ,.uFai.

if thej distante tei-.weed me surface. l 4x, of.. the plunger. extension. l2. andthe pointedv end 4o is .less than the .,distanoe. between thepluneer. U

andthe. closure. .'.seat ITL.y the. actuator eprint` il, if of.; properstrength, vwillaet to. springiload'. the

plunger. in ainanner wellknown tothe artaud cause thepluuger. to close the pressure fluidpasisagey la.. at a.predetermined.-diierential;. The

threaded connection of the Valve ituponlthe extension. l2. ador-ds, means, for spacing said exten: Simi relative to the pointed. end 4b of the pis.- ton 4. i

The operating, tool.

-, An operating tool isnecessary to the useofthis invention: and the best means known to thisapplicanty whereby the; devicesV illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, T, and' 12' can rbe operated is shown ais-52. This-tool comprises aseries of slots, pockets, and

surfaceof'a one piece shaft-like rod: member-appearing lli-.Figs 11 and-'13. This-tool may-below.

vered into. they tubing by means of thel cable-53 'helically inclined` cam surfaces formedupon the ator pin 5, whereby the tool, as itis reciprocated,- ,y alti-:matelyy engages and releases this nin. *After Seach pull'upon thepin, the-tool' may bey lowered through-the-device and then- Withdrawn from-the well or it-may be lowered to'thefnextv device for similar action.

Whenthetool 5-2 encounters the actuator-pin 51, Figs- 1 and 2,. the lowerguide" slope or cam 'surface 52a will'V rotate the tool to receive the pin within the entrance slotl B2b see Fig. 13. l .Ihe

pstupper helically inclined cam surface-i2c-iwill raised and the guide pin 3V will-be contained inA one of the uirmerpin` pockets 2a or 211;-, thereby openingthe device if the piny contact Was-changed from within. the pocket 2a to within thelpoclset 2b., and closing-.the device if. this change. was-from. the uooketlbtothe. pocket 2a.- Whenthafcable pull is released, theseeond upper; helicxetlly'5in-` olir-ied cam surfaoeo-Will rotate the.- tool'f'so as to allow the exitlslot 52h to, pass over thepin. The tool is therifree to he lowered-textlichen device or to be; Withdrawn from the. tubing-f tiirough-the-device or devices above it.

above.

raised' .untili tl-ie,J slot 52h; causethe, tool to -clear:the-:piu-b i 'It willl be noted that onecable nullV upon thetool: tit;` will. changez. the. device.:from:j onen .to closed;v Iand, vice versa,

pulls;v spaced by e. release: of. the tool, wllf'enable theztool' to passed through any device; thereby; leavingf-thatz dev-ieee in the same. position as before. .being-pulled upon.: the first time; Thus the. first' null` changes. the. original condition of the device, whatever it might ibe, tout the second nullrestores the device. to its riginal condition. Any-change in the device is onlyY temporary and of.. the. loiiefesty durant-ieri,A ii. it is` desired to, lower the` t'ool. .pasti a. device and leave. it inthe conditionin which it isfound.

The-outstanding operative characteristic of; the tool; -Z-iszas-.foliowszlt will. landuponeach device uponl which itis lowered;- Thenoner null uponv the tool will open the device-.- if closed orf-close the device, if onen. The tool thenmay be lowered;- through the.- device which has last Fbeen pulled. upon;A after which it. mayv loeeither raised out oi the well Qrlowered to the next device. to open it. if closedy or to close it. if opertas was stated fort-he action ofl the tool upon the valve For illustration, it will be assumed thatthere are several devices-in. a well, and. that-the upper device. is open.. all other' devices beingclosed. Now, to. close-the upper; device and open the third, device,A for-example, proceed asr follows:

Lower the operati-rig: tooly 52, until it contacts the Supper device aud-.pull once, f ThatA will .close the upper-device.. Thenllower the. tool to the secccnd devicewhichvisclosed andwhichA it is desired .toleaveclosedt Pull unen this device twice. In vdoing `scr-landthe tool upon; the device` and pull clesed- Lower the tool upon-the third devicel which is closed and pull once, more. That will open it, Thenv lower the tool slightly below the thi'lidV device. The tool-may be withdrawn then through the. u pner devices without stopping; and

withoutchanging any one of the, valvepositions.

lt. iis apparent. thatthe deviceA illustrated in Figs. i.- and- .2. may he converted-into a casing` ow device .by closing the port Id and opening the peafg closed by. thfeSCreW I9, at the-Same time clcsineithedower end of the-plunger chamberrl audlnrovidine, anotherA opening into the nipple I below: the check val-ve 1.31. Such adevice would y i employ: thel tubing as. an. induction 4meanspfor Inl raising the` tool. 52 through the. devices, the

upper guide sllpesyor. cam' surfaces 529' will' r0- tate thetoolto-.receive the pin 5.=withinthel slot 52h... The-second lowerhelically inclined' cam structural'details only;

-ilre'ssure .iiuidfwhile tl-ie-y annular Vspace lbetween the tubing; and the casing wouldbec-ome the .eduction conduit for. well liquid.

Firstmofzincatien Fig.- 'g illustrating the modified construction, differ-5. from the preferred embodiment in 'the pressure fluid valve control mechanism and other The r11-,pple zo-r-iivmfiv meistern sneu 20eme slots.. 20o; andA the. lateral* boss 20d,v is adapted to be connectedV into the: eduction tubing of; AawejlL in like manner as the nipple I in Figs; 1- ari-d2.

.The actuator '21,- havin-g the rod-like extensie-n 31h of the actuator pin-piston 3-I-extending loosely through itand secured-'with endclearance to :lt 'by the vnnte Ic; isslidable-withinthe smooth Ibore surment-then. rotmsthemor sughi-.1y as uns Manifest-ly-7 two f.' .cable A 2Gb of the lateral shell 21m.A The guide pin 22, rmly secured in the shell, extends into the bore 20h of the shell where the upper helically inclined cam surfaces 2e' and 2J" and the lower helically inclined cam surfaces 2g' and 2h of the actuator are slidable over this pin. In like manner the shallow upper pin pocket 2a', the deep upper pin pocket 2b', and the lower pin pockets 2c and 2d are engageable with it; whereby the actuator controls the open and closed positions of the ball valve 34, as will be explained more fully under operation oflFig. '7.

It will Ibe observed that the relative position ofthe pin pockets and inclined cam surfaces of the actuator 2i are similar to the pin pockets and inclined cam surfaces of the actuator 2 in Figs. l, 2, and 3, the same numerals and letter suliixes being employed to designate the similar pockets and inclined cam surfaces in both constructions with the suffixes primed in the modification.

The actuator spring 25, within the ibore 20h and confined therein by the plug 38 constantly urges the actuator 2l downward by urging the circular plate 24 to engage the thrust bearing 3l and also urging the other end of the actuator to engage the thrust 'bearing 31a. Thus, the actuator is free to move axially without imparting appreciable torque to the plate 24 or to the piston 3l. i

The valve control rod 30, slidable through the gland sleeve 26, the gland roof 21, and the packing 29, is secured within the piston 3l and ls locked there by the lock nut 30a. This rod has a pointed upper end engageable within a conical depression in the actuator pin 23, whereby this pin, having its head slidable in the slot c, is secured rmly within the cross bore Sla. The gland roof 21, which may be pressed in against an annular shoulder within the shell 20a, as appears in Fig. 7, has the packings 28 and 29 pressed against it by the gland sleeve 2B, having threaded engagement within the lower extremity of the shell.l i The valve housing 32 has the lateral boss 32a threadedly secured within the boss d of the nipple 20. Thishousing is aligned with the shell 20a by means of the spacer washer 20e which is of proper thickness to produce such alignment when the threads of the mating bosses are engaged tightly. This alignment may be secured by the weld 33 upon the boss 20d and the valve housing 32.

The rod restrains the ball valve 34 from closing the pressure fluid intake port 32h when the guide pin 22 is contained within the deep upper pin pocket 2b' of the actuator 2l, thatv being the open position of the device. 'I'his ball will be forced upward by the pressure iluid and will close the intake port 32b when the rod 30 is raised and the guide pin 22 is contained within the shallow upper pocket 2a. this being the closed position of the device.

During intervals between flowing operations, the valve 34 wil1 fall back upon the valve retainer 35 and act as a check-valve to, close the inlet opening 36 and to prevent well liquid in the tubing Y l,chamber 32o be properly limited the bali 34 will be spring loaded by the actuator spring 25, as will be apparent to those skilled inthe art.

Operation, Fig. 7

The path of pressure uid through the open device is via the inlet opening 36, the chamber 32c, and the pressure fluid intake port 32h.

The actuator pin 23, similar to the pin 5 ln Figs. l and 2, is adapted to be releasably engaged by' the operating tool 52.

To close the device, it being open as in Fig. 7 wherein the guide pin 22 is engaged within the deep pin pocket 2b', proceed as follows: Attach the operating tool 52 to the actuator pin 23 and pull the actuator upward. The lower inclined cam surface 2h' will contact the guide pin 22 and will cause the actuator to be rotated slightly until this pin will become engaged within the lower pin pocket 2c' (see Fig. 9), this pocket corre- 'spending to the pocket 2c in Fig. 3. Then, re' lease the pull upon the actuator pin 23; whereupon the spring 25 will force the actuator downward, .causing the upper inclined cam surface 2e to contact the pin 22; whereby the actuator will be rotated further until the shallow pin pocket 2a' ywill contain the pin. At that time, the valve control rod 30 will be raised so 4that the ball 34 will be forced by pressure fluid outside of the device to close the pressure uid intake port 32h. To again open the device, attach the operating tool 52 to the actuator pin 23 and pull the actuator 2l upward. The lower inclined cam surface 2g will engage the guide pin 22 and will' cause the actuator to be rotated slightly until this pin will be engaged Within the lower pin pocket 2d'. Then, release the pull upon the actuator pin 23; whereupon the spring 25 will force the actuator downward and will cause the upper inclined cam surface 2f to contact the pin 22; whereby the actuator will be rotated further until the deep pin pocket 2b will contain the pin again, as in Fig. '7.

When the device is open as in Fig. '7, the rod 30 will prevent the valve 34 from closing the intake port 32h.

While I have explained the operating tool 52 in connection with Figs. l, 2, and 3, it will be understood that; the operation will be the same when applied to Fig. 7, wherein the pin pockets 2a', 2b.', 2c', and 2d' correspond to the similar pockets 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, respectively, in Figs. l, 2, and 3; and the inclined cam surfaces 2e', 2f', 2g', and 2h in Fig. 7 correspond to the inclined cam surfaces Ze, 2f, 2y, and 2h, respectively, in Figs. l, 2, and 3.

To convert the device illustrated in Fig. l from a tubing flow means to a casing flow means: Move the ball valve 34 to above the intake port 32h, close the inlet opening 36, and provide another ball.

Second modi fication In Fig. l2, I illustrate a second modified con struction wherein the valve mechanism constitutes the only departure from the construction illustrated in Fig. 7. The device shown partially,r in Fig. 12 may be considered as being completed above the line a-b by the construction shown above the line a-b in Fig. 7.

The nipple 39, having the pressure fluid inlet port 39a with a valve seat formed around its outer end, may be similar to the nipple 20 in Fig. '7. The valve control rod 4B also corresponds to the rod 30 in Fig. '7. The slide valve 4| slidable over the -smooth outer surface of the nipple 39, is adapted to open and close the pressure uid inlet port 39a. The spacer sleeve 42, engageable with an annular shoulder upon the rod 4D, is secured upon the rod n 258683.07, 'by-the I`nut Mathe washer:43'being'impinge'd be tween the :nut and the sleeve to retain the valve.' The valve M has theinternal annular clearance Ala with vthe v-rod andhas end clearance between the Washer and the fiange: of the ysleeve for the obvious fpurposeof enabling the valve to be free.

v be engaged within thedeepupperrpin'pocket .2177i At this time, the ballvalve :41 is :supported resiliently opposite and inspaced relation to .the pressurefluid intake port 39a,V whichportit will close by yforce of pressure ia'ctingupon this valve during theexistenceof predetermined' high dif ferentials, in order .to-avoid wasting =pres`sure fluid through theopendevice dur-ing' times when there may bean inadequatesupply of-well liquid in the eductiontubing above such a= devi ce. i

A Whentheguide pin 1:22 is engaged ,within the shallow uppervpin pocket '2af, Fig. 17, the :slide valve A4 wilLbecer-itrally over Lthe port 39a and will1 close it ley force ,l of the pressure 'fluid .in the annular lspace between, v,the :tubing :and the well casing;

Operation yFig. 12

'This 'secondmo'diiedconstruction being the same asisi11ustratedinFi`g.7 above thejl'inevje-b,

only'thediierential'valv'e inechanism'will be dise cuss'ed here'. n l Y y Pressure 'fluid enters Vthe open 'device through the intake port 39a;

' During high-differennais,1trie dieernunsprin iifllfyielrl,` causing the 'v'alvef to engage vthe external rSeat around'the port 39a; 'thereby cuttingfo'ff the entrance of "pressure fluid until lower differentials win causethe-valve to vopen again.

'While -I have shown the guide pin s'taiaioriaimi7 and the actuator movablaitI is apparent` that thepin pockets and'inclined .cani surfaces of the actuator AAmay 'be *placed in the Stationary Shell and the 'guide-pin ni'aybe transferred from the shell tothe movable actuator. 'It ,is also apparent that the position of the /pn pockets and ,direction o'ftneinclined cam surfaces of the actuators meyebereversed;also, that the same chngs may be niade in the operating v tool 52, in `which aventure slots -szb and 52h .wujldrb moved accordingly l t is to be understood 'that all references to positions and directions 'sich as upperi and 1ower', ,pward and downward .aboye and "below" applyf to the dei/ice as illustrated in the in seid piston enel-.extending 4slightly finto :se-iol actuator 1pin Ipiston slidabiepin vsaid shell; an actuator-.upon :said piston andghavin-glag-peripheral opening `th er-eamound, sa-id opening forming 4two upper .and :two lower. opposed lielieelly inclined cam surfeees in spaced offset relation to `each other.- and sloping, opposite direetionsgtwo up,- Vper pockets one deer and kthe other shallow. el: tornados betweenseiel upper oenefswrfaees one two lower :pee-lists. alternating between solo lower cam surfaces, gaidactuator lloe-ing -slidable' in said shell; ,and rotatable relative to seid piston; an actuator.-sorinenreine saidfeetuotor end -olston downwardin seid she11-: en eetnoior :pin insole pistonvond extending `slightlypinto said. nipple,

said pinlbeins vslidelele'in seldslotend engelseatleet. said tool.; o plungersleeye ln the 4lower end -of said shell .endl having a plunger. .Chamber therein..- a pressure n n-id Passage axial oi said che-meenam a elosnreseatbetween ssifl ehemberend passage; en .plunserfn Asolo enernloer and in speeeereletionto solo :sont and edeptedoo enf gage .seme to .eloseseid nessase; en extension on sa-id'iplunger; agricoli valve .'ons'said o extension, saidgvalfve normally closing saidk passage and speoins seid `plunger relative- .to :seid seat; end -e guide pin in saidfshell. said ein `.ertendine yinto seid-,openineend leenefeeleotd .togalternetely eneaee within onen-r seid poeketsond noon one el said cam e surfaces to `lcause Ypartial rotation of said actuator each timesaid actuator isrecipr esteee predetermined distenee soos to resist seid plu-neer in rclosing .solo possess when solo guide .olnis .engaged lwillnnnf.senior deep noo-er peeketand'teofler no resistance resold plonger when 4said guide pinis engaged within. -sai d shallow/'eener nooken f i j t :2. In a dilerential 110W ldevice adapted .torpe remotelyeontroliedley an operating molina-tub: ine; enoole adopted ,to loe oonneeted inte seid tubing: e lateral shell-on seid nipple and having o oressnre fluid passage in the lower end thereon seid passage herring -e -e1 osure -seet thereeronnd solo `nipple and shell having adjoining; wells formeel-with e slot end o nressure :fluid intelso port: en @einerorpinipistonfslieleblenrseidshell; en'vaetuetor upon vseid piston- :and henne e peripheral ,opening thereareund. :said n o pen-rre forming-Ltwonpperand two lower. opposed helically inclined1 cam surfacesin. spaced offset relatOn' 190 each other, and sloping in opposite'direotions',

two yupper pockets, vone deep .andI the o therfshallow', alternating .betweensaidupper rarrr surfaeesj and two lower rockets alternating v betweensale lowerl eem sn-riesen sed-eetuator beine slidoble in ysaid shell, and rotatable relative to said' piseton; enaetuetorfsorns nfs seid eeteetor end piston downward in said shell; y an actuator pin nipple, solo, Pin beine .slideole seid slot one engasea'ble by seid tool; .-e. double yi/.ellve :in said passage, one `seid -valrenenne as a cheek welve to normally close'F'said assage `andtospace the other solo solve from .solo closure seeb; means forsensing.seirlfooublevelvereletiwe:tessere piston;k and .a snide @15in in said shell, seid. f pin rear tending into said opening Vand being adapted f te alternatelyengage*within one ofsaidfpockets and upon on of said cam surfaces :to :cause partial rotation of said actuator :each time, said l:actuator is reciprocated a -predeterminedldistance so as to resist rsaid gplunger in ,closing saidfrpassage @when sodenieleon is-ensaeed wrthinrseid deeprnpner seeker and to'offer .nog resistenroe to seid -.p 1unser when said-snide t15inris .enraged :solennellpwuppefpocket. e

3. In a dinerenufn now device adapted to be remotely controlled by an operating tool in a tubing: a nipple adapted to Ibe connected into saidtubing; a lateral shell on said nipple, said nipple and shell having adjoining walls formed with a slot and a, pressure fluid intake port therein; 1an actuator pin piston slidable in said shell; an actuator upon said piston and formed with a peripheral opening extending thereabout, said opening having lpockets and helically inclined cam surfaces, said actuator being slidable in said shell, and rotatable relative to said piston; an actuator spring urging said actuator and piston downward in said shell; an actuator pin in said piston and extending slightly into said nipple, said pin being slidable in said slot and engageable by said tool; a differential valve adapted to control theow of pressure fluid through said intake port into said nipple, said valve being coecient A with said actuator springr to provide resistance to said valve in closing said passage; and a guide pin in said shell, said guide pin being coe'icient with said cam surfaces and pockets to alternately cause said valve to be open by force of gravity and by said gravity force plus the force of said spring, substantially as described.

4. In a flow device adapted to be remotely controlled from a tubing having an axial bore and formed with a passage for the flow of pressure fluid into said bore: 4a spring loaded piston in a shell; an actuator on said piston and rotatable relative thereto; a thrust bearing between said spring and actuator; a thrust bearing between said actuator and piston; an actuator pin secured in said piston and extending outward of said shell into said bore; and a valve controlling said passage and coeflicient with said spring to close saidA passage at a predetermined differential between lesserfiiuid force in saidtubing and greater force exterior thereof; in combination with a guide pin in said shell, said pin being coefficient with cam surfaces and pockets on said actuator to cause said actuator to alternately resist and offer no resistance to said valve in closing said passage, substantially as described.

5. rIn a, differential flow device adapted to be remotely'controlled by an operating tool in a tubing: a nipple' adapted to be connected into said tubing-and formed with a pressure fluid intake port; a lateral shell on said nipple, said nipple and shell having adjoining walls formed witha slot therein;v closure means for one end of said shell; an actuator pin piston slidable in said shell; an actuator urpon said piston and having a peripheral openingthereabout, said opening forming; two upper and two lower opposed helically inclined cam surfaces in spaced offset relation to each other, said opposed cam surfaces sloping in opposite directions; two upper pockets, one deep and the other shallow, alternating between said upper cam surfaces; and two lower pockets alternating between said lower cam surfaces,V said actuator being slidable in said shell and rotatable relative to said piston; an actuator spring urging said actuator and piston away from said closure means an actuator pin in said piston and extending slightly into said nipple, said pin being slidable in said slot and engageable by said tool; a valve housing on said nipple, said housing being aligned with and in spaced relation to said shell, said housing providing communication with said intake port; a ball valve in said passage, said valve being adapted in two positions thereof to close saidvpassage; a valve control rod on said fpiston, said rod being slidable hermetically through one end of said shell and being adapted in one position to limit the movement of said valve to maintain said passage open and/in another position to be removed from said valve; and a guide pin in said shell, said pin extending into saidopening and being adapted to alternately engage within one of said pockets and upon one of saidl cam surfaces to cause partial rotation of said actuator each time said actuator is reciprocated a predetermined distance so as to place the outer end of said rod proximate said valve to restrain it from 'moving to close said passage when said guide pin is engaged within said shallow upper pocket and to move away from said valve when said guide pin is engaged within said deep upper pocket.

6. In a differential flow device adapted to be remotelycontrolled by an operating tool in a tubing: a nipple` adapted to be connected into said tubing and having a pressure fluid intake port; a shell thereon, said nipple and shell having adjoining walls formed with a slot therein; an actuator pin piston slidable in said shell; an actuator rotatable relative to Said piston and also slidable in said shell, said actuator being formed on its periphery with oppositely inclined opposed cam surfaces in offset relation to each other and pockets opposed to said cam surfaces, one deep and the others shallow; an actuator pin in said piston and slidable in said slot; a valve housing on said nipple and having a passage for pressure fluid communicating with said intake port; a valve control rod on said piston and slidable through a portion of said housing, and hermetically slidable through one end of said shell; a valve in said passage and in spaced relation to said rod so that said rod will resist said valve in moving to close said (passage only while said actuator is in its lower position; fand a guide pin adapted to secure said actuator in said lowerV position when said guide pin is engaged in said deep pocket and in its upper position while engaged within one of said shallow pockets.

7; In a differential flow device adapted to be remotely controlled by an operating tool `in a tubing: a nipple adapted to be connected into said tubing; a lateral shell on said nipple, said nipple and shell having adjoining walls formed with a slot therein; closure means for one end of said shell; an actuator pin piston slidable in said shell; an actuator upon said piston and having a peripheral yopening therearound, said opening forming, upper and lower opposed and oppositely inclined cam surfaces in spaced offset relation to each other, two upper pockets, one deep and the other shallow; alternating between said upper cam surfaces, and two lower pockets alternating between said lower cam surfaces, said actuator being slidable in said shell and rotatable relative to said piston; an actuator spring urging said actuator and piston away from said closure means; an actuator pin in said piston and extending slightly into said nipple, said pin being slidable in said slot and engageable by said tool; dierential valve means for admitting pressure fluid into said tubing during low difierentials and excluding such fluid during relatively high dierentials, said means being coeflicient with said piston and spring; and a guide pin in said shell, said pin extending into said open` ing and being adapted to be alternately engaged within one of said pockets and upon one of said cam surfaces to cause partial rotation of said actuator each time lsaid actuator is reciprocated a .predetermined distancefso as tof. resistA saidr. dierential valvein. closingY said'fpassagef when said. guide pin isengagedwithin said deepupper; pocket and to offer no` resistanceato` saidfvazlve when said guide pin` is engaged? within said;

shallow upper pOCk?.v f-

8. In a difierential'iiow device` adapted* to be' remotely, controlled by an... operating tool,` in a tubing: a nipple adapted to be connected into' said, tubingi. a shellon said nipple; an actuator. pin piston slidable in said shell.; an actuator upon;A said pistonand. rotatable' relative thereto infv said shell; an actuator pin onsaid piston-,1,sai-@lapin-L being operablevfrom4 within saidftubing to movev saidy actuator and piston,lin-one1 direction; an; actuator springA in said shell, said:.spring.. resil;-

said.. pinrlbeing slidable: iny said slot.4 andv enga-gef able.: said tool;r a valve control rod on; saldi: piston: andLA hermetically slidable through.: said.y

' shell.; aslidefvalvexon saidlrod-saidivalvez being saidactuatoreach time said. actuator is reciprofientlyy urging: said actuator,`l and"V piston `inlN thel I opposite. direction; oppositely; sloping: helically inclined cam. surfaces: upon.` said; actuator in off'-y set relation toeachothenand an equal` number I of pockets, one deep 'and the" others shallow, upon. saldi actuator,r said; pocketslalternating rwith said" canrfsurfaces andi being opposed. thereto; agui'de pinI coeilicient with: said"k cam surfacesv and? pockets; members. providing a passage for1 pressure iiuid into5 said nipple.;` andv ai, valve insaid?y passage, said valve beingl adaptedtof closefsaidf passagein twoy positions', one: of" said'v positions' being' dued to gravity andthe other: dueftotpreszsure: fluid force in said: passage, .saidfforceLbein-gz.

opposedfby said-spring.

9^.- In, a differential.. flow device adaptedtobev remotely controlled by an operating tool in a tubing:` a;v nipple adaptedftobe secured in said tubing; a shell on said nipple, said nipple and shell having adjoining walls formed with a slot therein; an actuator pin piston slidable in said shell; an actuator also slidable in said shell and rotatable relative to said housing; an actuator pin in said housing and slidable in said slot; a guide pin in said shell, said pin being engageable within a perpheral opening of said actuator, said opening forming opposed and offset helically inclined cam surfaces and pockets between said cam surfaces, one of said pockets being deep and the others shallow; a combination differential and actuator spring in said shell; members providing a passage lfor pressure iluid into said nipple; and a combination differential and check valve, each adapted to close said passage, said check valve seating by gravity and said diierential valve being resisted by force of said spring.

10. In a diierential flow device adapted to be remotely controlled by an operating tool in a tubing: a nipple adapted to be connected into said tubing and having a pressure uid intake port; a lateral shell .on said nipple, said nipple and shell having adjoining walls formed with a slot therein; closure means for one end of said shell; an actuator pin piston slidable in said shell; an actuator upon said pistonl and having a peripheral opening therearound, said opening forming, two upper and two lower opposed helisally inclined cam surfaces in spaced offset re. lation to each other, said opposed cam surfaces sloping in opposite directions, two upperpockets,

Acated a predetermined vdistance so-` as to'place'- said: lastvalve in spaced relation,l to:u said port` when. said! guide` pin is engaged withinsaid;` shallow upper pocket and to place said;` s1ide: valvev over: said, port ,whensaid guide. pini is engaged. withimsaiddeep'upper pocket. l

1.1.v a: diierential, iiowdevice adapted to be" remotelyV vcontrolledxby an operating tool in,I a'- tubing; av nipple, adapted to,` be? connected.into-- said tubing.; a shell on-said nipple; an:v actuatorv pin piston slidalzllesinisaid` shell;y an` actuator se.-

cured'" upon: said piston: and` rotatablearelativet thereto injsaid; shell;4 saidI actuator havingoppo` sitely sloping helically inclinedy cam surfaces-f ber of pockets,.ondeepand the others shallow; saidv pocketsialternatingzfwithr said carni surfaces andi being' opposed' thereto;v an actuator' pini om. said-piston,v said: pin" beingf operable? from; within.s saidE tubing to' movegsaidi actuator and: piston invr one direction; an actuator spring in said shell, said spring resiliently urging saidactuator and piston in the opposite direction; a guide pin coeilicient With said cam surfaces and pockets; a V

passage'for pressure uid into said nipple, in combination with; a differential valve and a slide valve in spaced relation to and governed by said piston, said differential valve being adapted to close said passage in one position of said piston and said slide valve being adapted to close saidv passage in another position of said piston.

12. In a remotely controlled flow devicei a nip-- ple; a shell thereon; a spring loaded actuator assemblyin said shell; means'ior resiliently securing said assembly in two positions, said means comprising a guide pin coeicient with inclined cam surfaces and an actuator pin adapted to be releasably engaged by an operating tool; a member providingan intake passage for pressure uid into said nipple; and two valves -controlling saidv f passage, said valves being positionally coefficient one deep and the other shallow, alternating between said upper cam surfaces, and two lower pockets alternating between said lower cam surfaces, said actuator being slidable in said shell and rotatable relative to said piston; an actuator spring urging said actuator and piston away from said closure means; an actuator pin in said piston and extending slightly into said nipple,

'sembly 13. In a remotely controlled flow device: an actuator havin-g peripheral helically inclined cam surfaces adapted to be coefficient with means, for rotating said actuator as the same is reciprocated relative to said means and two pockets, one deeper than the other, for coefficient relation with means for 'securing said actuator in two positionsxf" longitudinally; an actuator pin piston upon said actuator; a thrust bearing upon one end Iof said actuator; a thrust bearingl between said actuator and piston; an actuator pin in said piston; a valve' and Valve engaging means on said piston.

14. In a remotely controlled flow device, ythe combination of: a nipple having a pressure iluid and in spaced relation to said nipple; a slide valve on said rod; a spring on said rod; a valve on said spring; and actuator means for alternately effecting the positioning of said valves relative to said passage, substantially as described.

15. In a remotely controlled ow device of lthe character described: a tubing having a pressure A iiuid intake port; a valve :carried by said tubing and controlling communication through said port, said valve being adapted to be moved to opened and closed positions; an actuator movable to ef feet changes in the position of said valve; and yieldable means to cause valve changing movement of said actuator, said yieldable means normally maintaining said Valve in an opened position but which may be overcome by high pressure diierentials to cause said valve to close.

16. In a remotely controlled flow device of the character described: a tubing having a pressure iiuid intake port; a valve carried by said tubing and controlling communication throughv said port, said Valve being adapted to be moved to opened and closed positions; an actuator movable to effect changes in the position of said valve; and spring means for causing valve changing movement of said actuator, and for yieldably maintaining said valve in an opened position, said spring means being yieldable to high pressure differentials to cause said valve to close.

17. Ina remotely controlled flow device: a tubing having a pressure fluid intake port; a valve carried by said tubing and controlling communication through said port, said valve being mova'ble means and for maintaining said valve opened,

said spring means being yieldable to high pressure differentials to close said valve.

18. In a line of tubing wherein a number of flow devices are located at spaced intervals in the length of the tubing: a flow device comprising a nipple adapted to be connected in the string of tubing and having a slot; a lateral shell on said nipple; members providing a passage for pressure fluid into said nipple; a combination differential and check valve, each adapted to close said passage, said check valve seating by gravity; a combination differential and actuator spring in said shell, said differential valve being resisted by force of said spring; a step-by-step moving actuator, located in said shell, for compressing said spring upon one step of movement and releasing same upon the next-succeeding step of movement, said actuator including means Wholly located in said shell for securing said spring in its compressed position after said one step of movement and for effecting release of said spring on said next succeeding step of movement in order Athat said spring may act on said valve; an actuator pin carried by said actuator and projecting through the said slot into said nipple; and a suitable tool operable in said nipple and having provisions for cooperating with said pin for purposes described.

ALEXANDER BoYNToN. 

